Wantagh's Dylan Beckwith rushes for a gain during the second quarter of a Nassau II varsity football game against Mepham on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2014. Photo Credit: James Escher

Led by coach Keith Sachs, the Warriors have made the playoffs in 19 of the past 20 seasons. In an environment where turnover is inevitable from year to year, Sachs leans on coaching philosophy to bridge the gap between teams.

"If you teach the program from the bottom up and have a philosophy, you don't worry about if you have a good team, or a bad team or a great team," Sachs said on Thursday at preseason camp. "You always expect to make the playoffs."

Sachs said this year's Wantagh team is unique in that there are a bevy of three-year starters returning for a fourth varsity season. Quarterback Rob Tucker should find success in his second year running the comprehensive offensive scheme. He's a patient passer who isn't afraid to wait in the pocket for plays to develop down the field.

But he gets significant help from senior Dylan Beckwith, one of the aforementioned three-year starters. Incredibly quick off the line, Beckwith said he prefers the slot but also exceeds on the outside. That's likely where he and Tucker will hook up on more than one occasion during the season.